NCJ Number
187325
Journal
Juvenile Justice Update Volume: 6 Issue: 5 Dated: October/November 2000 Pages: 5-6-11
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents the transcript of an interview with C.B. Kimmins regarding Philadelphia's unconventional but effective drug resistance program, "Mantua Against Drugs," which works with communities to fight drug use; Kimmins is the program's executive director.
Abstract
Kimmins notes that the program receives no funding and operates on no budget. The program, which is staffed by volunteers, sends representatives into classrooms in public, parochial, and private schools. Those who talk to the children are recovering drug addicts or alcoholics who are examples of how a person can overcome problems no matter what the odds. These speakers provide a one-time auditorium event with the children. Volunteers then go into the classroom every two weeks. Those who interact with children and youth in the classroom are not only recovering addicts and alcoholics, but also representatives of some service agency in the community that deals with the problems of youth. This opens up the opportunity for individual youth to speak to the volunteers about any problems they may have with drugs or alcohol. The program has links to community services designed to meet the various needs of youth. In addition to the program in schools, in the summer volunteers go to block parties and other summer programs for youth. The program also acts as a resource to provide help to neighborhoods that are having drug problems. Program staff meet with neighborhood representatives to determine the nature of neighborhood drug problems and devise plans for addressing them. "Red tape" is kept to a minimum. Those who seek help from the program are not charged any money, and there are no forms or waivers to fill out.